Egan Bernal: I abandoned Tour de France for health reasons
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ByEurosport
Updated 17/09/2020 at 12:20 GMT
Egan Bernal says he abandoned the 2020 Tour de France on Wednesday for health reasons. The 23-year-old Ineos Grenadiers rider said his body told him to stop as the problems continue to pile up for the team principal Dave Brailsford.
Egan Bernal
Image credit: Getty Images
Egan Bernal says he abandoned the 2020 Tour de France on Wednesday for health reasons.
The reigning champion, who was out of contention for the yellow jersey at the end of the second week, pulled out ahead of stage 17 to the Col de la Loze on Wednesday.
The 23-year-old Ineos Grenadiers rider took to social media to explain his body told him enough.
He wrote on Instagram: "Although it sounds strange, I have enjoyed every kilometre I have done on my bike, no matter how painful it was. I enjoyed it because it is my job and my passion.
"I have taken my body to the limit but there came a point where it told me enough and as a defence mechanism has blocked me."
He added: "The only and best option I have had has been to listen to my body and for my health I had to withdraw from the Tour, even wearing number one.
"This is life, this is cycling. I want to thank all the people who have sent me their good wishes. I love you so much!"
Speaking on the latest episode of his podcast, Bradley Wiggins admitted he didn't realise how bad things must have been for Bernal and for Ineos, and believes there must be real dysfunction at the team with former Tour winners Geraint Thomas and Chris Froome not even at the flagship event.
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